Northern Spy Food Co.

we have been to this restaurant several times and was always enjoyed the food and the service. Last night was not the case. There is a new reservation system which I don't think will be successful. I called to make a reserve a table and was told there are no more tables available, but we could walk in and it was earlier enough, there would not be a problem seating us. We are neighborhood people, and walked a few blocks only to be told by a terribly rude hostess that"we are totally committed". Not only is that insulting, but does not fit the climate of the East Village. This girl had a nasty look on her face and a terrible attitude. We always remember Northern Spy as a friendly and casual downtown restaurant, with good food and a relaxed atmosphere. We started to walk out and she said to my wife " oh, the table in the middle is available. There were 6 tables empty and it was only 6:15. We were so put off by this treatment, but because we were with guests, we took the table and did not enjoy our meal. I believe there is a different chef because the food was bland and tasteless. Every dish we ordered was missing flavor. What a shame what was a great spot in our neighborhood is now an uncomfortable eatery with bad attitude. We will not return, and will tell others the same.

I've been here several times and love the chicken and egg brunch. just went for dinner and was so disappointed. The $12 kale salad was gritty and had half of one almond in the whole dish! Worse was the waitress who never asked us a single question and seemed anxious for us to leave. I'm wishing I complained about the salad but the waitress was so cold, I didn't feel comfortable talking to her more than necessary.

I've been here several times for brunch and dinner. And every time the wait staff was wonderful; friendly, accommodating and professional. The wait can be a bit long and the restaurant is small, but the food makes it all worth it. New Years Eve dinner was by far the best, but all the other meals there have been good too. The food is local and organic but the Southern style cooking manges to please my Southern boyfriend. I keep going back for these reasons and I was really surprised to see that anyone thought the staff bad. Can't wait for brunch tomorrow!

I lived in the East Village for 9 years. This place is simply the best in the East Village. In a word phenomenal. Can be a bit tight in terms of seating but the decor, food and menu are all A+. Worth the wait. Not too pricey. Very tasty. Not pretentious. Not Theme parky. All local stuff and lots of whole foods. I even like the wallpaper a lot.

This is the most disappointed that I have ever been by a meal in NYC. I know that's a big statement, but 'tis the truth. My risotto = BLAND. My red snapper (though well cooked) = BLAND. I asked for salt, which I felt badly doing, and it did nothing to help. There was very little, if any, flavor to the dishes that I had. I actually contemplated heading out to another restaurant for a second shot at a satisfying Friday night meal. I stuck around for dessert, in the hopes that it would raise my spirits, and it did- slightly. My pumpkin marscapone mousse was enjoyable. I secretly hope that I just had some bad luck with my choices, since the menu sounds so delicious. However, I'm not sure I'm willing to risk another trip back to see if that's the case...

Been here a few times, the food is ok at best, but typically you have to wait for a table before you get subjected to the very disappointing service. For the price, i now go elsewhere ( i live nearby and eat out almost everyday). The dishes sound good on paper, but don't quite live up to expectations.

The hostess seated us promptly and was very nice. The waitress. however, was rude. "Are you just here to drink?" was what she bluntly asked me after I asked her about one of the cocktails on the menu. She was confused by our order (2 entrees and a side), and got flustered when we weren't convinced we needed an appetizer. We were both disappointed with the food. The dishes came without a charming garnish, and both were drowned in cheese and fat. It felt disappointing to eat something so full of vegetables and exciting, only to discover that it was soaking in cheddar. Nothing was great, and we decided to take our dessert elsewhere.